Just purchased an '85 Newell Coach

[Don and Susan]

Hi Newell Owners
We need help...
Just purchased an '85 Newell Coach which has sat at the bottom of a steep driveway for the past 6 years. What immediate things need doing to move it 20 miles where we can really get into it...from there she will be come home to Michigan.
We have viewed some suggestions here on this site, but need specifics to get her up and running...tires were fairly new when parked, and have been covered. We're excited about our Newell Coach and look forward to meeting some of you in the future.
Thanks,
Don and Susan

[fulltiming]

Don and Susan, congratulations on your new acquisition. Here are a few of the things I would check out:

Tires: look for cracking on the sidewalls and between the threads, if none, then check the tire pressure and inflate to the values listed on the VIN placard. If you can't find the placard, temporarily inflate them to the value designated on the tire as the max pressure.

Transmission Fluid: Pull the dipstick and smell the fluid. If it smells burned or has a brownish color, it should be changed immediately. Otherwise you should be OK to drive it, assuming the level is correct, but the fluid and filter should be changed before any significant trips.

Engine Oil: This one is tricky. The oil and filters need to be changed BUT before starting the engine, check the level and look for any potential contamination in the oil on the dipstick.

Engine Coolant: Make sure the coolant is full before starting. Get some test strips and check the Molbydate and Nitrate levels. If would probably be a good idea to take some Fleetguard DCA (Diesel Cooling Additives) with you to add, even if you need to drain out a couple of quarts of coolant to get it in.

Air System: After the engine is started, insure that the air pressure comes up to about 120 psi. The spring brakes will not release if the pressure to the brake system is below 50-60 psi. Shut the engine off and watch the brake air gauges to make sure they do not drop. They should stay steady. Do NOT drive the coach if the air system to the brakes is faulty or losing air rapidly.

Those items are the critical elements to getting the coach home to work on it. It will need the full annual maintenance less anything you had to field correct as soon as possible.

After a full annual maintenance, you can start enjoying your new coach.

[Bryon Raymond]

Hi Don and Susan, Glad to hear you joined the Newell crowd. I'm quite sure you'll be happy with your new 'baby'. I bought an '89' 40'er last November and although a tad overwhelmed with all the tech stuff at first, I now feel very comfortable with my coach. A trip to the Newell factory last month for some improvements was an enjoyable experience and a further education. Best of luck and smooth sailing.
Bryon

[Richard and Rhonda]

Welcome Don and Susan,

I think you will find this a very friendly crowd. Please post often as you have questions and you also learn neat things about your coach. Think of it as a way of generating a collective body of knowledge for the Newell owners.